Winter coats for the homeless
For the past six years, Canterbury has been a long-time supporter of the Order of Malta and this year is no different with the Club donating $2,000 to their ‘Coats for the Homeless’ program.
The donation has enabled the purchase of 60 black, warm shower-proof coats which were specially-designed after numerous consultations and feedback from homeless people. For example, the coats are black to be less noticeable in dark alleys and parks, thus reducing the chances of being assaulted; they have internal pockets for valuables; and are portable and mobile.They will be distributed to homeless people across Australia as the nights turn colder.
Every day, almost 20,000 homeless Australians are sleeping rough on the streets of major cities and towns. Half of the homeless seeking emergency accommodation are turned away, leaving them exposed not only to the cold, but other dangers as well.
“The season has started changing and soon enough temperatures will drop, especially at night time. People sleeping rough on the streets are more exposed to the cold and can become easily sick without the adequate protection that these coats can offer – they make a big difference for someone who might not have easy access to warm shelter,” said Dr George Peponis OAM, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.
